Fluid delivery valve system and method

ABSTRACT

A cage-mounted fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fluid delivery systems and inparticular to a fluid delivery system and method for caging or storagesystems for animals, such as ventilated laboratory rack systems.

Description of Related Art

A large number of laboratory animals are used every year in experimentalresearch. These animals range in size from mice to non-human primates.To conduct valid and reliable experiments, researchers must be assuredthat their animals are protected from pathogens and microbialcontaminants that will affect test results and conclusions. Properhousing and management of animal facilities are essential to animalwell-being, to the quality of research data and teaching or testingprograms in which animals are used, and to the health and safety ofpersonnel.

Ordinarily, animals should have access to portable, uncontaminateddrinking water or other needed nutrient containing fluids according totheir particular requirements. Water quality and the definition ofpotable water can vary with locality. Periodic monitoring for pH,hardness, and microbial or chemical contamination might be necessary toensure that water quality is acceptable, particularly for use in studiesin which normal components of water in a given locality can influencethe results obtained. Water can be treated or purified to minimize oreliminate contamination when protocols require highly purified water.The selection of water treatments should be carefully considered becausemany forms of water treatment have the potential to cause physiologicalterations, changes in microflora, or effects on experimental results.For example, chlorination of the water supply can be useful for somespecies but toxic to others.

Because the conditions of housing and husbandry affect animal andoccupational health and safety as well as data variability, and effectan animal's well-being, the present invention relates to providing anon-contaminated, replaceable, disposable source of fluid for laboratoryanimals in a cage level barrier-type cage or integrated cage and racksystem to permit optimum environmental conditions and animal comfort.The present invention also relates to cost-effective and hygienicsystems for providing fluid to animals housed in cage and rack systemsequipped with automatic water systems.

Animal suppliers around the world have experienced an unprecedenteddemand for defined pathogen-free animals, and are now committed to theproduction and accessibility of such animals to researchers. Likewise,laboratory animal cage manufacturers have developed many caging systemsthat provide techniques and equipment to insure a pathogen freeenvironment. For example, ventilated cage and rack systems are wellknown in the art. One such ventilated cage and rack system is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,545, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, assigned to Lab Products, Inc., in which an openrack system including a plurality of shelves, each formed as an airplenum, is provided. A ventilation system is connected to the racksystem for ventilating each cage in the rack, and the animals therein,thereby eliminating the need for a cage that may be easily contaminatedwith pathogens, allergens, unwanted pheromones, or other hazardousfumes. It is known to house rats, for example, for study in such aventilated cage and rack system.

The increasing need for improvement and technological advancement forefficiently, safely housing and maintaining laboratory animals arisesmainly from contemporary interests in creating a pathogen-freelaboratory animal environment and through the use of immuno-compromised,immuno-deficient, transgenic and induced mutant (“knockout”) animals.Transgenic technologies, which are rapidly expanding, provide most ofthe animal populations for modeling molecular biology applications.Transgenic animals account for the continuous success of modeling miceand rats for human diseases, models of disease treatment and preventionand by advances in knowledge concerning developmental genetics. Also,the development of new immuno-deficient models has seen tremendousadvances in recent years due to the creation of gene-targeted modelsusing knockout technology. Thus, the desire for an uncontaminated cageenvironment and the increasing use of immuno-compromised animals (i.e.,SCID mice) has greatly increased the need for pathogen free sources offood and water. One of the chief means through which pathogens can beintroduced into an otherwise isolated animal caging environment isthrough the contaminated food or water sources provided to theanimal(s).

Accordingly, the need exists to improve and better maintain the healthof research animals through improving both specialized caging equipmentand the water delivery apparatus for a given cage. Related caging systemtechnologies for water or fluid delivery have certain deficiencies suchas risks of contamination, bio-containment requirements, DNA hazardousissues, gene transfer technologies disease induction, allergen exposurein the workplace and animal welfare issues.

Presently, laboratories or other facilities provide fluid to theiranimals in bottles or other containers that must be removed from thecage, disassembled, cleaned, sterilized, reassembled, and placed back inthe cage. Additionally, a large quantity of fluid bottles or containersmust be stored by the labs based on the possible future needs of thelab, and/or differing requirements based on the types of animalsstudied. This massive storage, cleaning and sterilization effort,typically performed on a weekly basis, requires large amounts of time,space and human resources to perform these repetitive, and often tedioustasks.

Further, glass bottles (and the handling thereof) can be dangerous andalso relatively costly. Bottle washing machines, bottle fillers, wastedwater, hot water, wire baskets to hold bottles, sipper tubes, rubberstoppers, the ergonomic concerns of removing stoppers, screw capsinsertion of sipper tubes are all problems inherent to the use of waterbottles to provide water to animals.

With respect to automatic water systems, although automatic watersystems are available, the cost per cage is too costly for manyinstitutions. Traditionally, stainless steel valves and manifolds areused in automatic water systems and such parts require constant purgingof slime and buildup of mineral deposits. Moreover, the stainless steelparts, such as the valves, require periodic repair. When repair isrequired, typically the institution must send the valves to themanufacturer to repair. This in turn requires that the institutionmaintain a second set of valves (and other parts that require periodicrepair) to use while the first set of valves is being repaired. Thisadds significantly to the institution's costs.

The human factors of handling wire baskets while loading and unloadingbottles has led to industry wide back injuries, carpel wrist injury, andeye injury from broken glass and other human factor ergonomic risks. Bysome estimates, the cost of injury related costs to industry and thelost productivity in the workplace amount to millions of dollarsannually.

In addition, the use of water bottles typically leads to large energycosts because the cleaning of the water bottles typically requires hotwater heated to approximately 180 degrees F. and the washing of all ofthe components of the water bottles and caps with dangerous chemicals.

Moreover, watering systems tend to fail due to time and/or useconditions, which endangers the laboratory animals and laboratorystudies. For example, laboratory animals may cause bedding material toenter into watering valves, thereby jamming the valve. This eitherprevents water flow to the animal cage or, more likely, causes the valveto remain in the open (flow) position, which floods the cage, possiblycausing animal death. Valves also deteriorate over time, which may causewater leakages to occur. Water leaks can endanger the laboratory animalsand compromise a study because damp cages or damp materials around acage can cause excessive humidity, which can cause hypothermia in thelaboratory animals.

As such, a need exists for an improved system for delivering fluid tolaboratory animals living in cage level barrier-type rack and cagesystems. Specifically, there is a need to provide watering devices,systems, and methods that are cost effective, require minimalmaintenance, are resilient to environmental factors, and that minimizesdangers to laboratory animals and laboratory studies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies these needs. Briefly stated, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, a fluid delivery systemfor delivering a fluid to an animal caging system for housing an animalis described. The fluid delivery system may comprise a fluid deliveryvalve assembly adapted to be coupled to a fluid bag holding a fluid.Without limitation, the fluid delivery valve assembly may be made ofdisposable materials, such as an injection moldable plastic (or similarcompound now known or later developed). By advantageously usingsanitized fluid bags and/or valve assemblies that may be disposable, theinvention may minimize the need for the use of fluid bottles andtraditional watering valves that typically must be removed from cages,cleaned, sanitized, and/or repaired on a frequent basis.

The fluid delivery system may alternatively comprise a fluid deliveryvalve assembly adapted to be used with a pressurized facility treatedwater source, such as automatic watering systems provided in ventilatedhousing units. In such applications, valve assemblies and relatedcomponents that may be made of semi-permanent or disposable materialsprovide the same benefits as discussed above.

The delivery system may be utilized in a single cage or in multiplescages integrated into ventilated cage and rack systems known in the art.An embodiment of the invention described herein provides for a fluiddelivery system for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag and/or automaticwater system to an animal caging system for housing an animal and maycomprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid deliveryvalve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the fluid bag and/or otherwater source (such as a pipe) to facilitate the providing of the fluidto an animal in the caging system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid delivery valve assembly mayfurther comprise an upper member having a piercing member and aconnecting member, the upper member having a fluid channel definedtherethrough, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channeldefined therethrough, wherein the base is designed to be matinglycoupled to the upper member. The fluid delivery valve assembly mayfurther comprise a spring element disposed within the base fluid channeland a stem member disposed in part within the base fluid channel,wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the stem member to apply abiasing force.

Another embodiment of the invention may provide for a method fordelivering fluid to one or more animal cages comprising providing sealedsanitized bags of fluid for use in an animal cage or caging system. Themethod may further comprise providing bag material to be used in theformation of fluid bags.

Another embodiment is directed to a method for facilitating the deliveryof water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housinganimals for an animal study. The method comprises providing a pluralityof cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratoryfacility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side ofa laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site. The bag formingapparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in thecage level barrier-type cages. In addition, the method can furthercomprise providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Another embodiment of the invention involves a method for facilitatingthe delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cagesdisposed at a laboratory facility site, for housing animals for ananimal study. The method comprises disposing a bag forming apparatus ata clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site;wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags ofwater for use in the cage level barrier-type cages.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system forfacilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage levelbarrier-type cages disposed at a laboratory facility site, for housinganimals for an animal study. The system comprises a bag formingapparatus designed and configured for placement at a clean side of alaboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bagforming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for usein the cage level barrier-type cages.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention may provide for a cage-mountedwater delivery system that may be implemented in cage and rack systemsto work with automatic water systems. The cage-mounted water deliverysystem includes a valve assembly, one or more sealing elements, and avalve stem designed and constructed to be coupled to the valve assemblyto attached the valve assembly to a grommet provided in an animal cage.

An exemplary embodiment of the cage-mounted valve assembly may include avalve body, an interior stem, and an end cap having a jam-preventingopening to prevent animal bedding from jamming the valve assembly. Thevalve assembly preferably defines a fluid channel therethrough. Thevalve assembly may further include one or more sealing elements (such asan O-ring) and a spring element disposed within the fluid channel,wherein the spring element abuts the interior stem and valve body toapply a biasing force between the valve stem and valve body to close (orseal) the valve assembly. The valve assembly may further function inconnection with a quick disconnect element, saddle fitting, and a watersupply manifold to provide water to animals housed in rack and cagesystems from an automatic water system.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a cage-mountedsystem for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cagelevel barrier-type cages disposed at a laboratory facility site, forhousing animals for an animal study. The system may comprise a valveassembly, a valve stem, a quick disconnect element, and a saddle fittingto facilitate the delivery of water from an automatic water system tothe animals.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part beobvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent inthe following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thisinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawing figures, which are merely illustrative, and wherein likereference characters denote similar elements throughout the severalviews:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid delivery systemincorporated into an animal cage assembly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid delivery system anddiet delivery system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a fluiddelivery valve assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fluid delivery valve assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of the upper member of the fluid deliveryvalve assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of trigger assembly of a fluid deliveryvalve assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plain view of cup element in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cup element in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of cup element in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a diet delivery system;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of diet delivery system incorporating a fluiddelivery system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front cutaway view of diet delivery system;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a fluid bag in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fluid bag and a fluid diet componentwith a fluid delivery system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of a fluid bag in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of an upper member of a fluiddelivery valve assembly including a support in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is a plain side view of a double-sided rack system incorporatingan animal cage;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a fluiddelivery valve assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view of the fluid delivery valve assembly ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the stem of the fluid delivery valveassembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side cutaway view of the fluid delivery valve assembly ofFIG. 18, showing the stem in the sealed position;

FIG. 22 is a side cutaway view of the fluid delivery valve assembly ofFIG. 18, showing the stem in the opened position;

FIG. 23 is a side cutaway view of the fluid delivery valve assembly ofFIG. 18, showing the extension portion protecting the stem;

FIG. 24 is a side cutaway view of an upper member of a fluid deliveryvalve assembly including a wrapper in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a side cutaway view of an upper member of a fluid deliveryvalve assembly including a disposable cap in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a fluid bag filling and sealing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 is a view of a fluid bag preparation room in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is another view of a fluid bag preparation room in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 29 is another view of a fluid bag preparation room in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of equipment used in certain embodiments;

FIG. 31 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility illustrating aflow pattern and placement of a bag forming and filling apparatus;

FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility illustratinganother flow pattern and placement of a bag forming and fillingapparatus;

FIG. 33 is flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process in accordancewith certain embodiments;

FIG. 34 is another flow diagram illustrating another exemplary processin accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 35 is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid delivery systemmounted in an animal cage;

FIG. 36 is an detailed side sectional view of the embodiment of thefluid delivery system mounted in an animal cage shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a valveassembly;

FIG. 38 is an exploded cross-section view of an embodiment of a valveassembly;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve assembly;

FIG. 40 is cross-section view of an embodiment of a valve assembly;

FIG. 41 is a cross-section view of the embodiment of a valve assemblyshown in FIG. 39 along line A-A, wherein the embodiment of the valveassembly is in the closed position;

FIG. 42 is a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of a valveassembly shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a vertical cross-section view of the embodiment of a valveassembly shown in FIG. 39 along line A-A, when the valve assembly is inthe open position;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an end cap of a valveassembly;

FIG. 45 is a front view of an embodiment of an end cap of a valveassembly;

FIG. 46 is a rear view of an embodiment of an end cap of a valveassembly;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve body of avalve assembly;

FIG. 48 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a valve body of avalve assembly;

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a valve body of a valveassembly;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interior stem of avalve assembly;

FIG. 51 is a plan view of an embodiment of an interior stem of a valveassembly;

FIG. 52 is a cross section view of the embodiment of the interior stemof a valve assembly shown in FIG. 51 along line A-A;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve shield of avalve assembly;

FIG. 54 is a top view of an embodiment of a valve shield of a valveassembly;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve assemblymounted in a grommet with a valve stem;

FIG. 56 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a valve assemblymounted in a grommet with a valve stem;

FIG. 57 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a valve assembly,grommet, and valve stem;

FIG. 58 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a valve assembly,grommet, and valve stem;

FIG. 59 is a front view of an embodiment of a valve assembly, grommet,and valve stem;

FIG. 60 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a quick disconnectelement;

FIG. 61 is a rear view of an embodiment of a quick disconnect element;

FIG. 62 is a front view of an embodiment of a quick disconnect element;

FIG. 63 is a cross section view of the embodiment of a quick disconnectelement shown in FIG. 61 along line A-A;

FIG. 64 is a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of a quickdisconnect element shown in FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a saddlefitting;

FIG. 66 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a saddle fitting;

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an airsupply plenum with a water supply manifold, saddle fitting, quickdisconnect elements, and docking assemblies;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air supply plenumwith a water supply manifold, saddle fitting, quick disconnect elements,and docking assemblies;

FIG. 69 is a front planar view of an embodiment of an air supply plenumwith a water supply manifold, saddle fitting, quick disconnect elements,and docking assemblies;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air supply plenumwith docking assemblies;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal housing rackequipped with air supply plena with docking assemblies;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water supplymanifold with quick disconnect elements mounted thereon with saddlefittings; and

FIG. 73 is a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of the watersupply manifold shown in FIG. 72.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein an animal cage assembly 90,which incorporates fluid delivery valve assembly 1, is shown. Cageassembly 90 incorporates a filter retainer 91, a filter frame 92, afilter top lock 93, a chew shield 94, a plurality of snap rivets 95, afluid bag 60 containing fluid 70, a fluid delivery valve assembly 1, adiet delivery system 96 providing support member 50, a chow receptacle111, a fluid bag receptacle 110, and a cage body 98. Cage body 98comprises a box-like animal cage with a combination diet delivery system96 capable of providing both food and fluid to animals within cageassembly 90. A filter 99 is also generally provided with cage assembly90 sandwiched between filter retainer 91 and filter frame 92. Cage body98 is formed with integral side walls 100, a bottom wall or floor 101and an open top end. The open top of cage body 98 is bordered byperipheral lip 102, which extends continuously there around. Cage body98 may also include a plurality of corner stacking tabs 103 forfacilitating stacking and nesting of a plurality of cage bodies 98.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3-5 wherein fluid delivery valve assembly 1is depicted. Fluid delivery valve assembly 1 includes an upper member10, a spring element 20, a trigger assembly 30, and a cup element 40 foruse in animal cage 90. Water delivery system 1 is held in place inanimal cage 90 by support element 50. Support element 50 extends fromdiet delivery system 96 and forms a floor for fluid bag receptacle 110.Alternatively, water delivery system 1 may be molded into diet deliverysystem 96.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, upper member 10 includes piercing member 11,core member 12 and flange member 13. Upper member 10 also defines fluidchannel 14. Arrow “A” defines the flow of fluid through fluid deliveryvalve assembly 1 to trigger assembly 30 where fluid flow can be actuatedby an animal in animal cage 90. Piercing member 11 has a beveled tip 15at its upper end, the upper edge of which presents a sharp piercing edge16 that can come in contact and pierce fluid bag 60, releasing fluid 70in fluid bag 60 through fluid channel 14. Flange member 13 extends fromcore member 12. In a preferred embodiment, flange member 13 is circularin dimension. However, it will be readily understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that flange member 13 may be any shape desired,provided however, that at least a portion of flange member 13 is widerin diameter than fluid channel 14 of core member 12. As shown in FIG. 3,spring element 20 may be a tightly wound coiled member which rests atoptip 35 of upper end 33 of stem 31 and enters upper member 10 throughfluid channel 14. As shown in FIG. 5, fluid channel 14 is dimensionedsuch that its upper extent within piercing member 11 is narrowed atposition 17 such that it prevents spring element 20 from exiting fluidchannel 14 through piercing member 11.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, wherein trigger assembly 30 is depicted.Trigger assembly 30 includes a stem 31, inserted through sealing member32. Stem 31 having an upper end 33 and a lower end 36. Lower end 36 ofstem 31 is substantially flat. Upper end 33 of stem 31 is generallyconical in shape, although other shapes may be used. Sealing member 32fits tightly around stem 31 thereby allowing limited movement aroundstem 31. Sealing member 32 is dimensioned such that the base of theconical portion of upper end 33 rests on it. Sealing member 32 is formedof a resilient material, such as rubber, silicone rubber, or any otherpliant malleable material. In a preferred embodiment, sealing member 32is made of a material that is not deleterious to mammals.

Cup element 40 is depicted in FIGS. 7-9. Cup element 40 has a base 43,an inner surface 41, and an outer surface 42. Base 43 also definesactuation channel 400. Lower end 36 of stem 31 of trigger assembly 30extends through actuation channel 400 towards the interior of animalcage 90. Fluid channel 14 extends from piercing edge 16 through piercingmember 11, core member 12 and spring element 20. Fluid channel 14terminates at the bottom wall of cup element 40. Trigger assembly 30extends through actuation channel 400. Cup element 40 has friction fitwith core member 12 of upper member 10 directly below flange member 13.

Diet delivery system 96, which houses fluid bag receptacle 110 and chowreceptacle 111 is shown in FIGS. 10-12. As shown in FIG. 11, fluid bagreceptacle 110 holds fluid bag 60 containing fluid 70. Fluid deliveryvalve assembly 1 is held securely in receptacle base 112 of fluid bagreceptacle 110 by the interconnection between flange members 13 a, 13 b,13 c and 13 d and locking members 51 a, 51 b, 51 c and 51 d. Piercingedge 16 of fluid delivery valve assembly 1 punctures fluid bag 60. Asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12, chow receptacle 111 of diet delivery system 96holds wire food holder element 116. A further embodiment of the presentinvention in shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, wherein fluid bag receptacle 110may be molded 110′ in order to facilitate the emptying of fluid 70contained in fluid bag 60 by fluid delivery valve assembly 1 and toprevent the animal from gaining purchase on the fluid bag receptacle. Inan alternate embodiment, fluid bag 60 is tapered or dimensioned so as tofacilitate the emptying of fluid bag 60 by fluid delivery valve assembly1. Fluid bag 60 may be made replaceable or disposable and thus may bemanufactured singly in any quantity according to the needs of a user.

Fluid delivery valve assembly 1 may be used to deliver the contents offluid bag 60 to an animal in cage assembly 90. Fluid 70 in fluid bag 60may include water, distilled water, water supplemented with variousvitamins, minerals, medications such as antibiotics or anti-fungalagents, and/or other nutrients, or any fluid which is ingestible by acaged animal. Fluid 70 in fluid bag 60 is delivered to an animal in cageassembly 90 in a sterilized or sanitized condition so as to protect anyanimals in cage assembly 90 from contagion. Fluid bag 60 may be formedin any desirable shape or volume. In a preferred embodiment, fluid bag60 is formed to fit fluid bag receptacle 110.

Also, it should be clear that fluid bag 60 does not have to consist of aflexible material but that part thereof may be made of a rigid material.In an embodiment of the present invention, fluid bag 60 would consist ofone or more layers, which would tear upon insertion of piercing member11. Alternatively, flexible, stretchable, resilient plastic stickers 501may be provided which can be adhered to the bag to prevent tearingthereof and to form a seal about the inserted piercing member 11. Inaddition, as depicted in FIGS. 13-15, fluid bag 60 could be made of athinner plastic or inverted in the region where piercing edge 16 willpenetrate fluid bag 60, thereby allowing the end user to readilyidentify where fluid bag 60 should be punctured and helping fluid bag 60nest within fluid bag receptacle 110. In a further embodiment of thepresent invention, fluid bag 60 could be made of a resilient plastic orpolymer material such that when piercing edge 16 penetrates fluid bag 60at location 88, fluid bag 60 adheres to piercing member 16 so as to stopfluid 70 from leaking out of fluid bag 60. Fluid bag 60 may beconstructed out of any material which is capable of being punctured bypiercing member 16 and which is capable of holding fluid in a sterilizedcondition. In an embodiment of the invention, fluid bag 60 is plastic orany other flexible material capable of containing a fluid to bedelivered to one or more laboratory animals. In certain embodiments,fluid bag 60 may be formed of nylon or polyethylene film in a singlelayer or multilayer design. With use of a multilayer film, differentlayers can each have different properties. For example, the inner layerscould provide sealing properties, while the outer layers provideresistance to tearing, or vice versa. In a further embodiment of thepresent invention, fluid delivery valve assembly 1, upper member 10,fluid bag 60 and the contents thereof, fluid 70, are capable of beingsterilized by one or more of an assortment of different means includingbut not being limited to: ultraviolet light, irradiation, chemicaltreatment, reverse osmosis, gas sterilization, steam sterilization,filtration, autoclave, and/or distillation. Each of the elements of thecurrent invention, fluid delivery valve assembly 1, fluid bag 60 andfluid 70, can be sterilized or sanitized alone or in combination witheach other. Fluid 70 of fluid bag 60 may be sterilized either before orafter fluid bag 60 is sealed.

In one embodiment providing a method of sterilization for the contentsof fluid bag 60, a chemical compound capable of sterilizing the fluid70, and known in the art, is put inside fluid bag 60 with fluid 70 priorto fluid bag 60 being sealed. Thereafter the compound sterilizes fluid70 such that it can be delivered to an animal and consumed by thatanimal without harm. Other methods of sterilization are discussed below.

In an embodiment of the invention, leak preventing member 501 is affixedor formed to upper member 10 and prevents a loss of fluid 70 from fluidbag 60 after puncture by piercing member 11.

As shown in FIG. 14, piercing member 11 may be rigidly fixed to supportelement 50 of fluid bag receptacle 110 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), inparticular in the support for the bag having its point directed upwardsso that piercing member 11 is automatically inserted into fluid bag 60at location 88 when placing fluid bag 60 onto support element 50 or intofluid bag receptacle 110′.

In one embodiment of the present invention, fluid bag 60 is placed influid bag receptacle 110 of animal cage 90. Fluid bag receptacle 110 hasa base 112, an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 115. Receptaclebase 112 also defines actuation channel 400. When fluid delivery valveassembly 1 is used in conjunction with animal cage 90, stem 31 oftrigger assembly 30 extends through cup 40 towards the interior ofanimal cage 90. In another embodiment, that portion of receptacle base112 which encircles actuation channel 400 may include one or morelocking members 51.

As shown in FIG. 16, in an alternate embodiment, support member 50 mayhave four (or some other number of) locking members 51 a, 51 b, 51 c and51 d formed thereon which may be used to secure flange members 13 a, 13b, 13 c and 13 d to support member 50. It will be readily understood byone of ordinary skill in the art that flange members 13 a, 13 b, 13 cand 13 d may vary in shape, provided however, that flange members 13 a,13 b, 13 c and 13 d are secured in fluid receptacle base 112 or ontosupport member 50 by its locking members 51 a, 51 b, 51 c and 51 d. InFIG. 16, locking members 51 a, 51 b, 51 c and 51 d are shaped likefingers and flange member 13 is divided into four equal pieces, shown asflange members 13 a, 13 b (not shown), 13 c and 13 d.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an animal isolation and caging rack system 600of the invention includes an open rack 615 having a left side wall 625and a right side wall 630, a plurality of rack coupling stations 616, atop 635, and a bottom 640. A plurality of posts 645 are disposed inparallel between top 635 and bottom 640. Vertical posts 645 arepreferably narrow and may comprise walls extending substantially fromthe front of rack 615 to the rear of rack 615, or may each comprise twovertical members, one at or near the front of rack 615 and the other ator near the rear of rack 615. In an exemplary embodiment, animalisolation and caging rack system 600 may also include one or more airsupply plena 610 and air exhaust plena 620 alternately disposed inparallel between left side wall 625 and right side wall 630 in rack 615.

In an exemplary embodiment, an air supply blower (not shown) can provideHEPA filtered air through supply plenum 660, preferably extendinghorizontally proximate the top of rack 600, to an air supply channel 670of vertical plenum 610. The air can be provided through an air supplydocking assembly 680 to cage 20, 22 in rack 615.

In an exemplary embodiment, vertical plenum 610 preferably includes aplurality of air supply docking assemblies 680 along vertical plenum610, air supply docking assemblies 680 being in fluid communication withair supply channel 670 to provide air therefrom. For example, if a cageis connected to air supply docking assembly 680, air from air supplychannel 670 can be provided through air supply docking assembly 680 intothe cage. Air supply docking assemblies 680 can be pre-assembled onvertical plenum 610. More preferably, air supply docking assemblies 680are inserted into corresponding docking apertures 680 a in verticalplenum 610 until secure. Alternatively, a separate attaching mechanismcan be provided. By way of non-limiting example, one or more screws,nails, bolts and washers, etc. can be used to secure air supply dockingassemblies 680 to vertical plenum 610. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment air supply docking assembly 680 creates a seal with verticalplenum 610 to prevent leakage of air from between air supply dockingassembly 680 and vertical plenum 610.

With reference to FIGS. 35-36 and 69-73, in an exemplary embodiment,animal isolation and caging rack system 600 may also include one or morewater supply manifolds 1050 that operate in connection with a valveassembly 1000 (as discussed in detail below) to deliver water to theanimals housed in cages 1100 in cage and rack systems 600. In anexemplary embodiment, the water supply manifold 1050 may be disposed inthe air supply channel 670 of the air supply plena 610 of the racksystem 600.

In an exemplary embodiment, the water supply manifold 1050 may comprisea silicone pipe (see FIG. 67). However, it is understood that the watersupply manifold 1050 may take the form of any suitable shape and/or bemade of any suitable alternative material that is now known or laterdeveloped.

The above discussed fluid delivery valve assembly 1, while facilitatingthe providing of fluid to animals, was found to have some deficiencieswhen used in conjunction with certain rack and cage systemconfigurations. For example, with reference back to FIG. 3, when thestem 31 of the trigger assembly 30 is actuated by an animal, undercertain circumstances, the stem may remain stuck in the open positioneven after the animal discontinues actuating the stem 31. If the stemremains stuck in the open position, fluid may continue to leak into thecage and cage bedding, with the result being a waste of fluid, and thepotential for the animal to become hypothermic, or otherwise adverselyaffected.

One reason for the occurrence of this problem in certain circumstancesmay be that due to the specific arrangement of the stem 31, sealingmember 32 and spring element 20 within the fluid channel 14, when thestem 31 is actuated by an animal, the pivot point of upper end 33 ofstem 31 about the bottom of spring element 20 tends not to be eitherpredictable or consistent. Consequently, after actuation by an animal,stem 31, in certain circumstances, will shift position in relation tospring element 20, thus not allowing spring element 20 to bias stem 31back into the desired closed position.

With reference to FIG. 18, there is shown a fluid delivery valveassembly 200 that overcomes the above-discussed deficiency because,among other modifications, the arrangement of stem member 240, springmember 250, and sealing member 260 is different than that of theirrespective corresponding parts in fluid delivery valve assembly 1. Thisarrangement of stem member 240, spring member 250, and sealing member260, discussed in detail below, provides for a predictable andconsistent pivot point for stem member 240, thus facilitating a moreconsistent return to the closed position in the absence of actuation byan animal.

Thus, fluid delivery valve assembly 200 is different in structure andarrangement to that of fluid delivery valve assembly 1 in severalrespects. However, in accordance with the present invention, fluiddelivery valve assembly 200 may be used in all embodiments discussedabove with reference to fluid delivery valve assembly 1. Accordingly, inany embodiment described herein that describes the use of fluid deliveryvalve assembly 1 in conjunction with, by way of non-limiting example,fluid bag 60, animal isolation and caging rack system 600, and/or dietdelivery system 96, fluid delivery valve assembly 200 may be used aswell, in accordance with the invention.

With reference again to FIG. 18, there is shown fluid delivery valveassembly 200 having an upper member 210, and a base 220. Fluid deliveryvalve assembly 200 also includes sealing member 260, stem member 240,and spring member 250.

Upper member 210 is formed with generally conical piercing member 211having sharp point 214 for piercing fluid bag 60 as described above. Oneor more fluid apertures 215 are defined in a portion of piercing member210, to facilitate the flow of fluid 70 from bag 60 into a fluid channel216 defined within the piercing member 210. Upper member 210 is alsoformed with connecting member 212, having gripping portion 213encircling a portion thereof. In certain embodiments, stem member 240,base 220 and upper member 210 are formed of plastic, such aspolypropylene. In certain embodiments, sealing member 260 is formed ofsilicone rubber, and spring member 250 is formed from stainless steel.Fluid delivery valve assembly 200 is, in certain embodiments, relativelylow in cost, and disposable.

Base 220, being generally cylindrical in shape, includes top portion 221and bottom portion 222, which are separated by flange member 226 whichencircles base 220 and extends outwardly therefrom. Flange member 226may be used to facilitate mounting or positioning of fluid deliveryvalve assembly 200 as is described above with regard to fluid deliveryvalve assembly 1. Top portion 221 may have an inner surface 223 withgripping portion 213 disposed thereon.

Upper member 210 is designed and dimensioned to be coupled to base 220with connecting member 212 being inserted into base top portion 221. Thecoupling may be facilitated by the frictional interaction of grippingportion 213 of upper member 210 with gripping portion 224 of base 220.

Sealing member 260, stem member 240, and spring member 250 are disposedwithin base fluid channel 230. Stem member 240 has a top portion 241that may be generally flat, such that flow aperture 265 of sealingmember 260 may be advantageously sealed when a portion of bottom surface262 of sealing member 260 is contacted by top surface 243 of stem member240. Actuation portion 242 of stem member 240 extends through springmember 250 and through base fluid channel 230. Spring member 250 servesto bias stem member 240 against sealing member 260 to facilitate controlof the flow of fluid, as described above with respect to fluid deliveryvalve assembly 1.

With reference to FIG. 19, spring member 250 is retained within basefluid channel 230 at its bottom end as fluid channel 230 has narrowportion 232, which serves to block spring member 250 from passingthrough and out of fluid channel 230. The top of spring member 250 abutsthe lower surface 244 (see FIG. 20) of stem member 240. Spring member250 serves to bias stem member 240 in a vertical orientation, thusforming a seal between top surface 243 and sealing member 260. This sealmay be facilitated by the use of lower ridge 266 to concentrate thebiasing force of spring member 250 to form a seal against stem member240.

Turning to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is shown the operation of fluiddelivery valve assembly 200 when stem member 240 is actuated by ananimal. It should be noted that spring member 250 is not shown in FIGS.21 and 22 for sake of clarity. During actuation of stem member 240 by ananimal, however, as discussed above, spring member 250 provides abiasing force to bias stem member 240 toward a generally verticalposition.

With reference to FIG. 21, stem member 240 is positioned generallyvertically, with top surface 243 of stem member 240 advantageouslyabutting lower ridge 266 of sealing member 260 at sealing point 246. Theuse of lower ridge 266 in conjunction with top surface 240advantageously serves to focus and concentrate the biasing force ofspring member 250 to form a seal as discussed above.

Fluid delivery system 200 is shown having been punctured into fluid bag60 such that fluid 70 may flow from fluid bag 60 into fluid aperture 215of upper member 210, and in turn flow into fluid channel 216, throughflow aperture 265 of sealing member 260, down to sealing point 246. Atthis point, with stem member 240 in the vertical (sealed) position, flowof the fluid is stopped.

In an embodiment of the invention, bag 60, once punctured by fluiddelivery valve assembly 200, should have its outer wall positioned inthe range along surface 235 of top portion 201 of base 220 such that itremains disposed in the portion delimited at its upper bounds by bagretention wall 217 and at its lower bounds by flange top surface 227. Inan embodiment of the invention, flow aperture 215 and (in someembodiments) aperture portion 218 may be advantageously positioned aboutan edge of bag retention wall 217.

Turning now to FIG. 22, there is shown stem member 240 positioned as itwould be while an animal actuates actuation portion 242 of stem member240 in a direction B. Of course, one skilled in the art would recognizethat the same result would be achieved so long as the stem member isactuated outwardly, out of its resting vertical position. Upon actuationin direction B, stem member 240 pivots about pivot point 236 such thattop surface 243 of stem member 240 moves away from the lower ridge 266of sealing member 260. This movement allows fluid 70 at flow aperture265 of sealing member 260 to flow down through gap 237, into fluidchannel 230, and out to the animal in the general direction A.

Base 220 may be formed with abutment wall 233 disposed in fluid channel230 such that the maximum travel of stem member 240 is limited such thatthe flow of fluid 70 is advantageously limited to a desired value.Additionally, stem member 240, base 220, sealing member 250 and springmember 250 may be advantageously designed and dimensioned such that stemmember 240 pivots at a consistent and predictable pivot point 236 andwill thus not be subject to sticking or jamming in the open positionafter stem member 240 is released from actuation by the animal.Consequently, the wasting of fluid and the exposure of animals tohypothermia or other problems caused by excessive wetting of the cageand bedding material may be minimized.

Turning to FIG. 23, embodiments of the invention may be formed with base220 of fluid delivery valve assembly 200 having extension portion 234.Extension portion 234 may serve, in certain application specificscenarios, to protect the actuation portion 242 of stem member 240 frombeing accidentally bumped by an animal, as only a portion of actuationportion 242 extends beyond extension portion 234. In an embodiment ofthe invention, the relative lengths L1 and L2 of extension portion 234and actuation portion 242 may be adjusted based on the results desired,and the types of animals being fed, as well as other factors.

Referring to FIG. 24, in an embodiment of the current invention waterdelivery system 1 (or fluid delivery valve assembly 200) is sterilizedand/or autoclaved and maintained in a sterilized state prior to use in awrapper 47 or other suitable container so as to avoid infecting ananimal in animal cage 90 (while, for sake of brevity, the embodiments ofthe invention discussed below make specific reference only to fluiddelivery valve assembly 1, it is to be understood that fluid deliveryvalve assembly 200 may also be used in all instances as well). When auser determines that a clean water delivery system is needed inconjunction with a fluid bag 60, water delivery system 1 is removed fromwrapper 47 in sterile conditions or utilizing non-contaminating methodsand inserted into animal cage 90 in fluid bag receptacle 110 (while itis contemplated that all of fluid delivery valve assembly 1 would becontained within wrapper 47, only a portion of fluid delivery valveassembly 1 is illustrated in FIG. 24). Thereafter fluid bag 60 is placedin fluid bag receptacle 110 and is punctured by piercing member 11 suchthat fluid 70 (i.e., water) is released through fluid channel 14 to ananimal in animal cage 90. This procedure insures that sterilized fluid70 is delivered through an uncontaminated fluid channel and that fluiddelivery valve assembly 1 is itself uncontaminated and pathogen free.Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, fluid delivery valveassembly 1 may be sold and stored in blister packs in groups of variousquantities.

Referring to FIG. 25, in another embodiment of the invention the upperportion of fluid delivery valve assembly 1, including upper member 10and piercing member 11, is covered with a disposable cap 45, that can beremoved when a user wants to use water delivery system 1 to pierce fluidbag 60 and place it in fluid bag receptacle 110 for delivery of a fluidto an animal in animal cage 90. Disposable cap 45 can be made from anysuitable material and may be clear, color-coded to indicate the type offluid in fluid bag 60, clear or opaque. Disposable cap 45 is easilyremoved from fluid delivery valve assembly 1. While cap 45 would notprovide for a sterilized fluid delivery valve assembly 1, it wouldprovide a labeling function, as well as, in an embodiment, provideprotection from inadvertent stabbing of a user.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method forfluid delivery to one or more animal cages. With respect to applicationswith fluid bags, the system provided has at least two methods of use,one which includes providing sealed sanitized bags of fluid for use inan animal cage or caging system. The provider provides the pre-packagedand uncontaminated fluid (e.g., water, or fluid with nutrients etc., asneeded by an animal) for use preferably by delivering sanitized,fluid-filled, bags to a site designated by a user. Alternatively, theprovider may locate a sealing apparatus, material for making the fluidbags and fluid supply at a location designated by the user. Thereafter,the provider will assemble, fill and seal the appropriate number offluid bags for a user at the designated location. In a second method theprovider provides a sealing apparatus and the material for making thefluid bags to a user. In this second method the provider may also supplyany appropriate fluid to the user at a location designated by the user.The user thereafter assembles, fills and seals the fluid bags for use inthe fluid delivery system of the invention as appropriate.

A fluid bag (or pouch) filling and sealing method and system 300, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, is illustrated in FIG.26. Bag material (or film) 310, which may be formed of any suitablematerial as described above, is stored in bulk form, such as, forexample, in roll form. As the process continues, bag material 310 ismoved over bag forming portion 330 such that the generally flat shape ofbag material 310 is formed into a tube. As the process continues, avertical seal device 340 forms a vertical seal in bag material 310, thuscompleting the formation of a tube.

Contents supply portion 320 serves to add ingredients, via, for example,gravity feed, into the tube of bag material 310. Contents supply portion320 may include liquid and powder storage containers, and various pumpsand other supply means, such that, for example, fluid (or water) 70,either with or without any additives as discussed above, may be addedand metered out in appropriate quantities as is known in the art.Additionally, contents supply portion 320 may include heating and/orsterilizing equipment such that the contents supplied from contentssupply portion 320 are in a generally sterilized condition.

Next, horizontal seal device 350 forms a horizontal seal, eitherthermally, by adhesives, or by some other art recognized method as wouldbe known to one skilled in the art. The horizontal seal serves toisolate the contents of the tube into separate portions. Next, the bagcutting device cuts the bag material at the horizontal seal to formindividual fluid bags 60 containing fluid 70.

Of course, in accordance with the spirit of the invention, the exactsteps taken to form the fluid bags 60 may be varied as a matter ofapplication specific design choice. In some embodiments of theinvention. steps may be added, left out, or performed in a differentorder. Additionally, the contents and bag material 310 of fluid bags 60may be sterilized either before or after the completed bags are formed,or not at all.

In an embodiment of the invention, and with reference to FIGS. 27-29,the fluid 70 is heated to approximately 180° F., and the fluid bags arestacked in storage containers 370 with the result that the fluid 70,fluid bags 60 and storage containers all become sterilized to asatisfactory degree. In an embodiment of the invention, a cage body 98may be used as such a storage container. Additional parts of thisprocess may also be automated, as is shown by the use of robotic arm 380in stacking containers.

Storage containers (or totes) 370 (or cage bodies 98) may also besupplied with fluid bags 60 at a workstation 382, before placement in aisolation and caging rack system 600. Additionally, storage containers370 (or cage bodies 98) may be passed through various other sterilizingdevices.

As described above, the provider may provide a bag filling and sealingapparatus and the material for making the fluid bags to a user. The userthereafter assembles, fills and seals the fluid bags for use in thefluid delivery system in accordance with certain embodiments.

In such instances, the filling and sealing apparatus can be installed onsite at, for example, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies,government agencies, universities, contract research companies, breedersand chemical companies, among others. Typically, these types offacilities are frequently Association for Assessment and Accreditationof Laboratory Animal Care International (AALAC) inspected and requireapproval with respect to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services Food and Drug administration (FDA)requirements to run such a facility. To meet these strict certificationrequirements, these facilities generally have a central wash roomcomplex where equipment such as cages and racks and other accessoriesare routinely sent to be cleaned washed and sanitized using washingmachines, detergents, and the like. Typically, these areas are organizedand fed from building flow patterns referred to as the dirty side of thewash area and clean side of the wash area. This is done to prevent thetransfer of dirty particles into clean corridors wherein the animalrooms are re-supplied with clean equipment and animals. In accordancewith these flow patterns, people at the facilities also follow the flowpatterns, and may also be required to wear protective clothing such asgowning and disposable shoe covers. The flow patterns also pertain tothe movement of equipment. Equipment being brought to the laboratoryrooms must get there by way of the clean side of the rack washer in thewash room.

The dirty side of the wash room typically contains rack washers, cagetunnel washers, autoclaves, disposal cans for dirty bedding and thelike. These machines are typically set in concrete pits and are plumbedand wired as permanent installations in the facility building. Most ofthe equipment is accessed through doors that allow loading of racks,cages and equipment that are placed into these washing machines. Thesemachines are typically positioned flush with a washroom divider wall.Equipment is placed in the washing machine at the dirty side, passesthrough an opening in the wall, and exits on the clean side of thewashroom. After the equipment is loaded, it is typically washed with hotwater and detergents for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. On theclean side, after the wash cycle is complete, staff will then open thedoors and remove the washed equipment into the clean staging area. Thefloors in these clean areas are typically formed of tile, epoxy, and/orepoxy stone mix, to create a waterproof area, with floor drains. Racks(like cars in a car wash) come out dripping wet, and the drainsfacilitate drainage of dripping water. Other activities typicallyperformed on the clean side of the wash room include the filling ofbottles with water and the charging of cage racks with water (i.e.,purging the rack automatic watering system). Accordingly, because thecharging of racks is typically performed on the clean side of the washroom, the clean side typically contains access to the main house feed ofwater, as well as a water treatment and/or filtration system. Such asystem may consist of systems for the chlorination, acid treatment,and/or micron filtration of the water. Also typically included in such asystem is a pressure reduction station to allow connection of thetreated water to racks configured for automatic watering, to fill themand purge the racks from old water latent in the systems.

As stated above, the bag filling and forming apparatus can beadvantageously located at the clean side of the wash room. In certainembodiments, the bag filling and forming apparatus requires aboutsixteen square feet of floor space, although alternatively, theapparatus may be configured to require more or less floor space. Incertain embodiments, the bag filling and forming apparatus can includeindustrial grade casters and can be rolled into place. The bag fillingand forming apparatus can comprise built-in floor jacks that allowleveling and semi-permanent location, once placed. In certainembodiments, the bag forming and filling apparatus is pre-wired andfitted to accept a 110/220 VAC, 20 amp, 50/60 Hz supply dedicated powerline near the machine. Of course, other power supplies could be used asis known to those skilled in the art, as instructed by this disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 30, in certain embodiments, a 1½ inch cold waterline 420 downstream of the existing in-house treatment system is used tosupply water to the bag filling and forming apparatus 450. Of course,other water line sizes could be used as is known to those skilled in theart, as instructed by this disclosure. As described above, in certainembodiments, the bag (or pouch) material is provided in rolls 410. Insuch embodiments, a mobile roll lifting device 430 may be provided tothe clean side of the wash room so that rolls of bag material 410 may beeasily maneuvered from, for example, a pallet, to the bag filling andforming apparatus 450. In certain embodiments of the system, an indexingor other type motor driven conveyor 460 can also be located on the cleanside of the wash room to facilitate transport of the filled water bags440 away from the filling and forming apparatus. Box-shaped totes 470,preferably formed of translucent plastic, can also be provided at theclean side of the wash room. In certain embodiments, the totes 470 canbe rigid such that they may be stacked when full, and nested when emptyfor easy storage. In certain embodiments, a mobile tote conveyorplatform 465 can be used to position an open tote 470 at the end ofmotorized conveyor 460 until the tote 470 is filled with full water bags440. The mobile tote conveyor platform 465 can then be moved to a totecart 480. Tote cart 480 can be provided to facilitate the transport ofthe totes 470 filled with water bags 440 to a laboratory or other area.Generally, in certain embodiments, the water bags 440 are filled andformed in the clean side of the washroom, and then the totes 470 arefilled and stored with the full water bags 440. The totes 470 can thenbe transported on the tote cart 480 to rooms and/or hallways whereanimal cages need service and a re-supply of water. Disposable valves(e.g., valves formed with plastic components) can then be removed fromsanitized packaging, and inserted into apertures in diet deliverysystems or wire bar lid inserts, and then, in turn, the water bags (orpouches), can be positioned such that the valves pierce the water bagsand water may flow from the bags, through the valves, and be accessed byanimals in cages. In alternate embodiments, the valves used need not bedisposable or plastic, but could be formed of stainless steel or othersuitable materials as is known to those skilled in the art.

The used (near empty) pouches are removed from the cages, are placed incontainers, such as, for example, empty totes, and transported to thedirty side of the washroom area. In certain embodiments, acompactor/bagging machine 490 can be supplied to the dirty side of thewashroom. The compactor can be used to compress used pouches and valvesinto a compact bundle, or disposable bag, for easy disposal.

With reference to FIG. 31, there is shown a schematic of a typical flowpath at a laboratory facility 500. Laboratory research rooms 510 arelocated between dirty corridor 520 and clean corridor 530. Laboratoryexits 512 connect the laboratory research rooms 510 with the dirtycorridor 520, while laboratory entrances 514 connect the laboratoryresearch rooms 510 to the clean corridor 530. The central washroom 540is also positioned between the dirty corridor 520 and the clean corridor530. Washroom entrance 542 leads from dirty corridor 520 to the dirtyside 546 of the washroom 540. As described above, a compactor/baggingmachine 490 to facilitate disposal of water bags 440 and valves can beplaced at the dirty side 546 of washroom 540. The clean side 548 of thewashroom 440 is connected to clean corridor 530 via washroom exit 544.As described above, in certain embodiments, bag filling and formingapparatus 450 is located at the clean side 548 of washroom 540. Asdescribed above, in a typical flow path, water bags are produced by thewater bag filling and forming apparatus 450 at the clean side 548 ofwashroom 540. The water bags are transported out exit 544 into cleancorridor 530, and then through one of the laboratory entrances 514 intoone of the laboratory research rooms 541 where the water bags are placedinto cage level barrier-type cages. The used water bags are removed fromthe cages, placed into empty totes, and transported out one of thelaboratory exits 512 into dirty corridor 520, and then through washroomentrance 542 into the dirty side 546 of washroom 540, where, in certainembodiments, the used water bags and valves are compacted in acompactor/gagging apparatus 490 for easy removal. In certainembodiments, the compacted water bags and valves can be washed prior toremoval.

With reference to FIG. 32, there is shown a schematic of another typicalflow path at a laboratory facility 700. Laboratory research rooms 710are located next to corridor 725. Laboratory combined entrance/exits 713connect the laboratory research rooms 710 with the one way corridor 725.Washroom entrance 742 leads from corridor 725 to the dirty side 746 ofthe washroom 740. The clean side 748 of the washroom 740 is connected tocorridor 725 via washroom exit 744. As described above, in certainembodiments, bag filling and forming apparatus 450 is located at theclean side 748 of washroom 740. As also described above, in a typicalflow path, water bags are produced by the water bag filling and formingapparatus 450 at the clean side 748 of washroom 740. The water bags aretransported out exit 744 into one way corridor 725, and then through oneof the laboratory entrance/exits 713 into one of the laboratory researchrooms 741 where the water bags are placed into cage level barrier-typecages. The used water bags are removed from the cages, placed into emptytotes, and transported out one of the laboratory entrance/exits 713 intocorridor 725, and then through washroom entrance 742 into the dirty side746 of washroom 740, where, in certain embodiments, the used water bagsare compacted for easy removal.

With reference to FIG. 33, there is illustrated an exemplary method 800of providing water bags in accordance with certain embodiments. In thismethod, a rack and cage system having a plurality of cage levelbarrier-type cages is provided at a laboratory research room forperforming an animal study. Step 810. Next, bag material (or film), forthe water bags (or pouches) is provided to the laboratory facility site.Step 820. Next, a water bag filling and forming apparatus is provided tothe clean side of the washroom at the laboratory facility. Step 830.Next, disposable valves are provided for use with the water bags. Step840. In this embodiment, for sake of clarity, the steps are depictedbeing performed one at a time, in a specific order. The steps need notbe performed in the depicted order shown, however, and the various stepsmay be performed in other orders, and/or one or more of the steps may beperformed simultaneously. In addition, in certain embodiments, one ormore of the steps may be omitted, and/or one or more of the steps may beperformed more than once, and/or additional steps may also be performed.

Another method 900 of providing sealed water bags for use in cage levelbarrier-type cages for animal studies is depicted in FIG. 34. In certainembodiments, a rack and cage system is provided for placement in alaboratory research room. Step 910. Bag material (film) is provided.Step 920. Next, in certain embodiments, a roll lift device is providedso that rolls of bag material may be easily maneuvered from pallets tothe bag filling and forming apparatus. Step 930. Next, a water bagfilling and forming apparatus is provided at the clean side of thewashroom. Step 940. Next, a conveyor system is provided for the handlingof the water bags after they are produced by the water bag filling andforming apparatus. Step 950. Next, totes for storing and transportingthe filled water bags can be provided. Step 960. A tote cart fortransporting several totes can then be provided. Step 970. Next,disposable fluid delivery valves can be supplied for insertion into thediet delivery system or module. Each of the filled water bags is thenpositioned in a diet delivery module such that a valve pierces the bagand water may flow out of the bag, through the valve, and be accessed byanimals. Step 980. Used water bags and valves are transported from theclean side of the facility to the dirty side of the facility. Next, acompactor/bagging apparatus (disposal device) is provided for compactingthe used water bags and valves after use. Step 990. In this embodiment,for sake of clarity, the steps are depicted being performed one at atime, in a specific order. The steps need not be performed in thedepicted order shown, however, and the various steps may be performed inother orders, and/or one or more of the steps may be performedsimultaneously. In addition, in certain embodiments, one or more of thesteps may be omitted, and/or one or more of the steps may be performedmore than once, and/or additional steps may also be performed.

Accordingly, by way of providing a bag forming apparatus at a clean sideof a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein thebag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water foruse in the cage level barrier-type cages, users at a laboratory facilityare freed from the significant investment in time and expensenecessitated by the use of water bottles. In addition, the laboratoryfacility is also freed from the expense and dangers related to the useof automatic watering systems.

Because the bag forming apparatus is provided at the clean side of thelaboratory washroom, the laboratory facility may take advantage of thefeatures of the washroom, such as the presence of a main water feed, anddedicated power circuits. In addition, by providing water bags at theclean side of the laboratory facility washroom, personnel at thelaboratory facility may make use of their pre-existing clean and dirtyflow paths, thus allowing for harmonious integration of the water bagand fluid delivery valve system into the existing laboratory facilityenvironment.

With Reference to FIGS. 35-36 and 71, in another embodiment of theinvention, a valve assembly 1000 can be implemented in a caging racksystem 600 having one or more water supply manifolds 1050 to facilitatethe delivery of water to animals housed in the caging rack system 600using an automatic water system. Preferably, the valve assembly 1000 iscage-mountable (as discussed below) and designed and constructed to becompatible with existing animal housing systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 35-52, valveassembly 1000 includes a valve body 1001, sealing elements 1002, 1005(such as an O-ring), a spring element 1003, an interior stem 1004, andan end cap 1006 having an interior shoulder 1017 and a jam-preventingopening 1008 to prevent animal bedding from jamming the valve assembly1000.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 35 and 41, the valvebody 1001 and end cap 1006 each define portions of a fluid channel 1010through which fluid flowing from water supply manifolds 1050 may enterand flow through the valve assembly 1000 when the valve assembly 1000 isin the open position (as further discussed below).

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve body 1001 includes a lower surface1012 and a lower peripheral flange 1014 disposed in the fluid channel1010.

In an exemplary embodiment, the end cap 1006 is designed and dimensionedlike a feeding nozzle to facilitate the delivery of water to animals andincludes an interior shoulder 1017. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS.37 and 44, the end cap 1006 has ribs 1019 to facilitate dimensionalstability where the end cap 1006 is injection molded by preventing thicksections of plastic from forming during injection molding. Otherwise, abuildup of thick sections of plastic would cause sink marks as theinjection molded end cap 1006 cools, which would result in lessdimensional stability. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, theend cap 1006 is conical nose cone shaped. The end cap 1006 preferablyhas a tapered end to facilitate installation of the metal shield 1007(see FIG. 53).

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 41-43, the valvebody 1001 is joined to the end cap 1006. The valve body 1001 and end cap1006 may be joined via sonic welding or by similar means known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. When sonic welding is used to join thevalve body 1001 and end cap 1006, a self-aligning joint, such as shearjoint 2001, as shown in FIG. 42, may be provided in the components.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 37-38, 41, and 43, sealingelements 1002, 1005, spring element 1003, and interior stem 1004 havinga top portion 1015 with a top surface 1013 and bottom surface 1016 aredisposed between and within the valve body 1001 and end cap 1006 (and inthe fluid channel 1010) to open and/or close the valve assembly 1000. Inan exemplary embodiment, the top portion 1015 of the interior stem 1004is preferably enlarged (e.g., substantially nail shaped) such that thecircumference of the widest part of the top portion 1015 is greater thanthe circumference of the remainder of the interior stem 1004.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 41, when the valveassembly 1000 is in the closed position, one end of the spring element1003 abuts the lower surface 1012 of the valve body 1001. The other endof the spring element 1003 abuts the top surface 1013 of the top portion1015 of the interior stem 1004. Sealing element 1002 may be providedunder the lower peripheral flange 1014 of the valve body 1001, withinthe end cap 1006, proximate the junction between the end cap 1006 andvalve body 1001 to ensure that no leakage occurs. Another sealingelement 1005 may be provided under the top portion 1015 of the interiorstem 1004 to ensure that no leakage occurs when the valve assembly 1000is in the closed position. The spring element 1003 provides an outwardlybiasing force, toward the jam-preventing opening 1008 of the valveassembly 1000 (in direction F), which causes the bottom surface 1016 ofthe top portion 1015 of the interior stem 1004 to abut against thesealing element 1005, which abuts against the interior shoulder 1017 ofend cap 1006. An exposed portion 1018 of the interior stem 1004 isdisposed in the jam-preventing opening 1008 of the end cap 1006 and isexternally accessible through the jam-preventing opening 1008. Theexposed portion 1018 may be made, without limitation, of metallic orplastic type materials (now known or later developed). In this closedposition, the fluid channel 1010 in the end cap 1006 is closed and nowater is able to flow out of the jam-preventing opening 1008 of thevalve assembly 1000.

The outwardly biasing force provided by the spring element 1003 has thebenefit of allowing for high pressure flushing of the cage and racksystem 600. This is beneficial because the water pressure keeps thevalve assembly 1000 sealed and a higher water pressure can increase thestrength of the seal in valve assembly 1000.

An exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly 1000 in the open positionis shown in FIG. 43. To open the valve assembly 1000, for example, whenan animal desires water, the animal may toggle the exposed portion 1018of the interior stem 1004, which causes the interior stem 1004 to movetoward the valve body 1001. This also causes at least a part of the topportion 1015 of the interior stem 1004 to move toward the valve body1001, away from the sealing element 1005, which opens the fluid channel1010, allowing fluid to flow through the fluid channel 1010 and out ofthe jam-preventing opening 1008 of the valve assembly 1000 to theanimal.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 41 and 43, thejam-preventing opening 1008 is designed and constructed to prevent thevalve assembly 1000 from jamming due to environmental factors, such asanimal bedding entering the valve assembly 1000. For example, theinterior stem 1004 may include a lower portion 1022 having a lowersurface 1023 disposed in the fluid channel 1010. The lower surface 1023abuts a lower shoulder 1024 of end cap 1006, which is disposed proximatethe jam-preventing opening 1008 within the end cap 1006. In thisconfiguration, no direct path is provided into the valve and only anarrow and tortuous pathway into valve assembly 1000 is created by thelower surface 1023 of the lower portion 1022 of the interior stem 1004,even when the valve assembly 1000 is open.

In an exemplary embodiment, jam-preventing opening 1008 preferablyincludes angular surfaces 1008 a, 1008 b, which taper inward from thejam-preventing opening 1008 towards the exposed portion 1018 of theinterior stem 1004 to facilitate animal access to the exposed portion1018 of the interior stem 1004, for example by providing a relief for arodent's nose.

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly 1000 is constructed ofplastic material, which yields cost savings in manufacture andproduction. However, nothing herein shall be deemed to be a disclaimerof valve assemblies (or any other component discussed herein) made fromany other materials. Indeed, suitable alternative materials, now know orlater developed, may be used to construct the valve assembly 1000, inpart or in whole.

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly 1000 is constructed ofmaterials that can withstand temperatures of up to 270 degreesFahrenheit.

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly 1000 is constructed ofmaterials that have good chemical resistance properties.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 35-38 and 53-54, thevalve assembly may further comprise a valve shield 1007. The valveshield 1007 is preferably provided to cover the portion of the valveassembly 1000 exposed to the animals to prevent the animals from chewingon the valve assembly 1000 but can also be designed and constructed tocover as much of the valve assembly as may be desirable for systemconfigurations (e.g., for mounting within the cage, on the rack, etc.).Preferably, the valve shield 1007 is made of a metallic material orother suitable types of chew-resistant material now known or laterdeveloped.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 35-36, 55-59, inuse, the valve assembly 1000 is mounted in the interior of an animalcage 1100 having a grommet 1110, where the animals can access the valveassembly 1000 to obtain fluids. The grommet 1110 permits the animal cage1100 to be docked in high-density racks, such as caging rack system 600.The grommet 1110 may be disposed in one of the sidewalls of the cage1100 and allows air and/or water to flow into the cage 1100. In oneembodiment, to mount the valve assembly 1000, the valve assembly 1000 isplaced in the interior of the cage 1100 adjacent to the grommet 1110such that the jam-preventing opening 1008 is accessible to the animals.A valve stem 1020, which defines a fluid channel 4000, is positioned onthe exterior of the cage 1100 proximate the grommet 1110. Valve stem1020 may include an outer portion 1025 that serves as an air baffle tocreate a tortuous path for air flow to prevent non-sterile air fromentering the cage 1100 and to facilitate the creation of a more uniformand balanced airflow into the cage 1100. Alignment elements 1011 (seeFIG. 58) may be provided between the valve stem 1020 and the grommet1110 and/or between the valve assembly 1000 and the grommet 1110 toallow the valve assembly 1000 some movement to facilitate alignment ofthe valve assembly 1000 with the quick disconnect element 1060(discussed below) when the cages 1100 are docked into a water system.The valve stem 1020 may then be connected to the valve assembly 1000.Preferably the valve body 1001 of the valve assembly 1000 and the valvestem 1020 includes screw threads, which may be used to screw the valveassembly 1000 and valve stem 1020 together to mount the valve assembly1000 on a wall of the cage 1100 at the position of the grommet 1110(see, e.g., FIGS. 36 and 56).

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 36 and 58, the valvestem 1020 includes an elongated portion 1021 that is designed andconstructed to interface with a quick disconnect (QD) element 1060,which is connected to a water supply manifold 1050 and permits fluidfrom the water supply manifold 1050 to flow to the valve assembly 1000.

With reference to FIGS. 60-64, in an exemplary embodiment, the QDelement 1060 includes a QD body 1061, QD plunger 1062, QD cap 1063having an opening 1071, a QD sealing element 1064 and a QD springelement 1065. The QD element 1060 defines a fluid channel 2000 throughwhich fluid may flow into and out of the QD element 1060 in direction G(see FIG. 63).

In an exemplary embodiment, the QD body 1061 is joined with the QD cap1063. They may be joined via sonic welding or by similar means known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. The QD body 1061 preferably includesscrew threads 1066 to permit the QD body 1061 to be coupled to otherelements, such as saddle fitting 1080 as discussed further below. The QDbody 1062 also includes shoulder 1067 having a bottom surface 1068, bothof which are disposed in the fluid channel 2000.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 63, the QD plunger 1062, QDsealing element 1064, and QD spring element 1065 are disposed betweenand within the QD body 1061 and QD cap 1063 (and within the fluidchannel 2000) to permit the QD element 1060 to open and close, therebypermitting or restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid channel2000. QD plunger 1062 has an internal end 1069 and exposed end 1070.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the QD element 1060 is in the closedposition, one end of the spring element 1065 abuts bottom surface 1068of the shoulder 1067 of the QD body 1062 and the other end of the springelement 1065 abuts a portion of the internal end 1069 of the QD plunger1062. The spring element 1065 provides a biasing force in the directionG, thereby pushing the QD plunger 1062 toward opening 1071. This biasingforce causes the QD plunger to make contact with the sealing element1064, closing the fluid channel 2000. In an exemplary embodiment, thewater pressure from water (or other fluids) form a water source enteringthe QD element 1060 may keep QD element 1060 sealed when it is in theclosed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 36, the QD element1060 may be placed in the open position by valve stem 1020 when it makescontact with the valve stem 1020. The elongated portion 1021 of valvestem 1020 enters the opening 1071 of the QD cap 1063 and pushes againstthe exposed end 1070 of the QD plunger 1062. This causes the QD plunger1062 to move toward the QD body 1061 and away from the sealing element1064, opening the fluid channel 2000 and allowing fluids to pass throughthe QD element 1060.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 67-73, wheninstalled in a cage and rack system 600, the QD element 1060 is providedwithin a docking assembly 680 that may be attached to an air supplyplenum 610. The water supply manifold 1050 is disposed within the airsupply plenum 610. The docking assembly 680 preferably includes one ormore air holes 681 so that air can flow around the quick disconnectelement and into the cage 1100. A saddle fitting 1080 may also beprovided to connect the QD element 1060 to the water supply manifold1050.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 65-73, the saddlefitting 1080 includes an attachment portion 1081 and a U-shaped portion1082. The attachment portion 1081 defines a fluid channel 3000therethrough to permit fluids to flow through the attachment portion1081. The attachment portion 1081 is attachable to QD element 1060. Inthis regard, the attachment portion 1081 may include screw threads thatmaybe screwed together with the screw threads 1066 in the QD body 1061.A sealing element (not shown) may also be provided between the QDelement 1060 and the saddle fitting 1080 to protect against leakage.

In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped portion 1082 has asubstantially U-shaped cross-section that is designed and configured tofit substantially over at least a portion of the water supply manifold1050. The attachment portion 1081 includes a protrusion 1083 thatextends inward from the U-shaped portion 1082. The protrusion 1083 issized and configured to fit into apertures 1091 provided in the watersupply manifold 1050. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 66,the saddle fitting 1080 may also include one or more grip ribs 1084,which facilitate gripping the saddle fitting 1080 to the water supplymanifold 1050. The one or more grip ribs 1084 also serve to maintain theshape of the water supply manifold 1050 by preventing any movement ofthe saddle fitting 1080 from stretching or deforming the water supplymanifold (which can cause leakage). The saddle fitting 1080 may alsoinclude one or more sealing ribs 1085 to seal the saddle fitting 1080 tothe water supply manifold 1050.

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 67, in two saddlefittings 1080 can be placed over the water supply manifold 1050 suchthat the protrusion 1083 of each saddle fitting 1080 is fitted into anaperture 1091 of the water supply manifold 1050. In this configuration,the saddle fittings 1080 fit around a section of the water supplymanifold 1050 and preferably encompass the circumference of the watersupply manifold 1050. One or more locking rings 1090 may be placedaround the saddle fittings 1080 proximate the edges of the U-shapedportion to hold the saddle fittings 1080 in place around the watersupply manifold 1050.

In an exemplary embodiment, in operation, water may be supplied via thewater supply manifold 1050. The water may flow out of the aperture 1091in the water supply manifold 1050, through the fluid channel 3000 in theprotrusion 1083 of the attachment portion 1081 of the saddle fitting1080, and into and through the fluid channel 2000 of the QD element1060. When a valve stem 1020 is placed in contact with the QD element1060 causing the QD element 1060 to open, the water is further permittedto flow through the fluid channel 4000 in valve stem 1020 into the fluidchannel 1010 of the valve assembly 1000. Animals housed in the cages1100 may, thus, access the water from the cage by causing the valveassembly 1000 to open as discussed above.

While valve assembly 1000 is described in the exemplary embodiment asbeing cage-mounted and implemented with automatic watering systems, thevalve assembly 1000 can also be implemented with fluid bags, such asfluid bag 60, when provided with a piercing member, such as piercingmember 11.

Moreover, in exemplary embodiments, the valve assembly may also bemounted to the plena or manifold of the rack rather than the cage 1100.In such configurations, the valve assembly 1000 would pass through anopening provided in the cage 1100. The opening in the cage 1100 may beclosed off using a spring loaded or formed flap door. In exemplaryembodiments, the cage 1100 can be made of disposable materials.

Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed outfundamental novel features of the invention as applied to exemplaryembodiments thereof, it would be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosedinvention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained inthe above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as amatter of language, might be said to fall there between.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cage-mountable valve assembly for delivering afluid from a water source to a cage in an animal caging system forhousing one or more animals, the cage-mountable valve assemblycomprising: a valve body; and an end cap, the valve body and the end capjoined together to define distal and proximal portions, respectively, ofa fluid channel through the valve assembly, the valve body having alower surface and a lower peripheral flange disposed within the fluidchannel, and the end cap having an interior shoulder, a lower shoulder,and a tapered proximal end defining a jam-preventing opening; a firstsealing element; a second sealing element; a spring element; and aninterior stem, the sealing elements, the spring element, and theinterior stem disposed within the valve body and the end cap and in thefluid channel to open and close the valve assembly, the interior stemselectively displaceable by an animal from a closed position to an openposition, and having an enlarged top portion with a top surface and abottom surface, an elongated body portion with a lower portion having alower surface, wherein the elongated body portion has a substantiallyconstant circumference in the longitudinal direction, and an exposedportion with a circumference smaller than that of the elongated bodyportion, the exposed portion extending beyond the lower portion anddisposed in and externally accessible through the jam-preventing openingof the end cap, wherein the exposed portion may be displaced by ananimal to cause the interior stem to move toward the valve body and awayfrom the second sealing element to an open position, allowing fluid toflow through the fluid channel and out of the jam-preventing opening tothe animal, the spring element having a distal end that abuts the lowersurface of the valve body and a proximal end that abuts the top surfaceof the top portion of the interior stem, the first sealing elementpositioned under the lower peripheral flange of the valve body, withinthe end cap, proximate the junction between the end cap and the valvebody, and the second sealing element positioned under the top portion ofthe interior stem, wherein the spring element is configured to apply abiasing force toward the jam-preventing opening to cause the bottomsurface of the top portion of the interior stem to abut against thesecond sealing element, which abuts against the interior shoulder of theend cap to prevent fluid from flowing out of the jam-preventing openingwhen the interior stem is in a closed position, wherein the lowersurface of the lower portion of the interior stem has a circumferencelarger than that of the jam-preventing opening and abuts the lowershoulder of the end cap proximate the jam-preventing opening, so that adirect path is not available into the valve whether the interior stem isin an open or a closed position.
 2. The cage-mountable valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the valve body and the end cap are joined together bysonic welding.
 3. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, whereinthe valve body, the cap, and at least a portion of the interior stem areinjection molded.
 4. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1,wherein the valve body, the end cap, and at least a portion of theinterior stem are constructed of a plastic material.
 5. Thecage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly isconstructed of materials that can withstand a temperature up to at least270degrees Fahrenheit.
 6. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1,wherein the valve assembly is constructed of materials that havechemical resistance properties.
 7. The cage-mountable valve assembly ofclaim 1, further including a valve shield configured to fit over atleast the end cap of the valve assembly to prevent the animals in thecage from chewing the end cap.
 8. The cage-mountable valve assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the valve shield is made of a metallic material.
 9. Thecage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, further including a valveshield configured to fit over at least an animal-accessible portion ofthe valve assembly that is exposed to the animals in the cage to preventthe animals in the cage from chewing the animal-accessible portion ofthe valve assembly.
 10. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 9,wherein the valve shield is made of a metallic material.
 11. Thecage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the exposed portion ofthe interior stem is constructed of a material that is animal chewresistant.
 12. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, wherein theexposed portion of the interior stem is constructed of a metallicmaterial.
 13. A cage-mountable fluid delivery system comprising: (i) thevalve assembly of claim 1; and (ii) a valve stem having a fluid channeltherethrough, the valve stem selectively engageable with the valveassembly to mount the valve assembly in the interior of the cageadjacent to a grommet positioned in a sidewall of the cage, wherein thevalve stem is positioned on the exterior of the cage proximate thegrommet and includes an elongated portion and a peripheral flangeconfigured to create a tortuous path for air flow into the cage toprevent non-sterile air from entering the cage and to ensure a uniformflow of air into the cage.
 14. The cage-mountable fluid delivery systemof claim 13, wherein the valve body of the valve assembly and the valvestem include screw threads to screw the valve assembly and the valvestem together to mount the valve assembly to the sidewall of the cage atthe position of the grommet.
 15. The cage-mountable fluid deliverysystem of claim 13, further comprising: (iii) a quick disconnect (QD)element defining a fluid channel therethrough, the QD elementselectively engageable with the elongated portion of the valve stem tofacilitate the flow of fluid from a water supply manifold through thevalve stem to the valve assembly, the QD element including: a QD bodyincluding a shoulder having a bottom surface; a QD cap having anopening, the QD cap configured to be joined with the QD body to definethe fluid channel through the QD element; a QD sealing element; a QDplunger having an internal end and an exposed end; and a QD springelement, the QD sealing element, the QD plunger, and the QD springelement disposed within the QD body and the QD cap and in the fluidchannel through the QD element to to open and close the QD element, andthe QD spring element having a distal end that abuts the bottom surfaceof the shoulder of the QD body and a proximal end that abuts theinternal end of the QD plunger, wherein the QD spring element is capableof applying a biasing force to the QD plunger to push the QD plungertoward the QD cap to cause the QD plunger to abut the QD sealing elementwhen the QD element is in a closed position; and wherein the QD springelement is capable of retracting to place the QD element in an openposition when the elongated portion of the valve stem enters the openingof the QD cap and pushes against the exposed end of the QD plunger tocause the QD plunger to move toward the QD body and away from the QDsealing element to permit fluid to flow through the QD element; and (iv)a saddle fitting configured to connect the QD element to the watersupply manifold, the saddle fitting comprising: a U-shaped portionconfigured to fit over at least a portion of the water supply manifold,the U-shaped portion including at least one grip rib extending inwardfrom the U-shaped portion; and an attachment portion extending outwardfrom the U-shaped portion, the attachment portion configured to beselectively coupled to the QD element, the attachment portion includinga protrusion extending inward from the U-shaped portion, the protrusionbeing sized and configured to fit into an aperture in the water supplymanifold.
 16. The cage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim 15:wherein at least two saddle fittings are provided, wherein the U-shapedportions of the saddle fittings are capable of fitting around acircumference of the water supply manifold; and further comprising atleast two locking rings, which are capable of locking the saddlefittings to the water supply manifold.
 17. The cage-mountable fluiddelivery system of claim 15 wherein the U-shaped portion of the saddlefitting includes at least one sealing rib extending inward from theU-shaped portion to seal the saddle fitting to a portion of the watersupply manifold.
 18. The cage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim15, wherein the U-shaped portion of the saddle fitting includes at leastone grip rib extending inward from the U-shaped portion along the curveto facilitate gripping the saddle fitting to a portion of the watersupply manifold and to prevent movement of the saddle fitting fromstretching or deforming the water supply manifold.
 19. Thecage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim 15, wherein the QD bodyand the QD cap are joined together by sonic welding.
 20. Thecage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim 15, wherein the QD bodyand the attachment portion of the saddle fitting include screw threadsto screw the QD body and the saddle fitting together.
 21. Thecage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim 15, further comprising athird sealing element positioned between the QD body and the saddlefitting.
 22. The cage-mountable fluid delivery system of claim 13,further comprising at least one alignment element position between thevalve assembly and the valve stem, proximate the grommet.
 23. The cagemounted fluid delivery system of claim 13 wherein the valve stem isinjection molded.
 24. The cage-mounted fluid delivery system of claim 23wherein the peripheral flange member is integrally formed as part of thevalve stem.
 25. The cage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, whereinthe end cap comprises injection molded plastic having one or more ribson its outer surface to facilitate dimensional stability.
 26. Thecage-mountable valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the jam-preventingopening includes angular surfaces which taper outward from thejam-preventing opening to facilitate animal access to the exposedportion of the interior stem.